. >> reporter: as the senate leaders were mapping an escape from the fiscal cliff, president obama and republicans issued dueling messages on the web. >> we cannot afford the self inflicted wound to the economy. the folks you send to washington have to do their jobs. >> reporter: if the nation goes over the fiscal cliff next tuesday each side says the other is to blame. >> we can avoid the fiscal cliff if the president and the democrat-controlled senate step forward and work with republicans to solve this problem and solve it now. >> reporter: all over the country right now, uncertainty is in the air. >> it's not a matter of am i going to pay my light bill but is it going to deplete my savings. >> even if the impact isn't real, the perceived impact could cause a dropoff in sales. >> reporter: gets a deal is up to the top democrat and top republican. >> we are engaged in discussions, the majority leader and myself and the white house in the hopes we can come forward as early as sunday and have a recommendation. >> whatever we come up with will be imperfect. that's where we are. >> repor